Food Friday!

Now that I'm a new mom of a nine day old boy, I have yet to find time to cook. My life used to revolve around what I was going to eat, at what time- and I would plan days in advance. I just loved thinking about food. Now it crosses my mind, but then a dirty diaper needs changing, or a stomach needs filling- and the days of free time to focus solely on food is long, long gone. However, I recognize that cheese and crackers here, and a bowl of cereal there is not providing enough nutrition for me or the babe. So, today I decided that I would start compiling quick and healthy recipes (when the time presents itself) and slowly I am going to incorporate more healthy meals.
Here are a few recipes that I would like to try- I found them all via Sunset mag, and supposedly (fingers crossed) they can all be thrown together in less than 30 minutes.

Chicken Papaya Spring Rolls

Miso Soup w/ Tofu and Nori

Grilled Fish and Chips

Sesame Shrimp w/ Cucumber Salad

Chicken Burgers w/ Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese

Chicken Pita Salad

I am currently in love with lovelymorning blog. Kristina, the author of the blog recently had a baby and every so often she posts on her new mama experience (which I really treasure), along with recipes which all look so yummy, and lots of other great miscellaneous topics! Here are two recipes of Kristina's that I would also like to incorporate into my "healthy" pre-planned menu.

Quinoa Salad image and recipe via lovelymorningblog

Toasted Nuts and Raisins w/ Sea Salt image via lovelymorningblog no recipe is really necessary for this snack, pretty self explanatory!

and because I need something healthy and quick for breakfast, I plan to make batches of these muffins and enjoy with greek yogurt topped with fruit.

Baby Bran Muffins image and recipe via 101cookbooks.com

Happy Friday!

XO

SHS

Food Friday!

There's no denying it- I LOVE food! I use several food blogs for inspiration and recipes (as well as books). If you love photos tastespotting is the best blog for yummy images! I must warn you though- you will feel overwhelmed, everything looks soooo good and tempting- what to make??? what to make?? Well, in our house Friday night is usually reserved for pizza. I have researched pizza dough- using Trader Joe's pre-made dough as well as Whole Foods. I have tried Boboli's pre-made crust and I have to say- nothing taste as good as making your own dough from scratch.

Now, there are several recipes for pizza dough- but there is only one that I RAVE about! I found my pizza dough recipe through 101cookbooks blog- which is another fave of mine. Heidi Swanson is the author of the blog which focuses on healthy, natural cooking. The recipe she references in her blog is for Peter Reinhart's Napoletana Pizza Dough Recipe and it really is as fabulous as Heidi claims. So, for today's food blog I suggest this-Make a PIZZA! There are so many wonderful topping options- but don't stray from Peter Reinhart's dough recipe.

(BELOW: 101 cookbooks pizza)

Some of my favorite combos include the following:

• chicken, pesto, pine nut
• prosciutto, sausage, sun dried tomatoes
• basil, tomato, mozzarella slices
• fig, goat cheese, caramelized onion and prosciutto

Here are some pics for you to drool over!

(BELOW: Images courtesy Tastespotting)

I bet you're hungry now- until next Friday!